AFRICA

Algiers, Algeria | AFP | Hundreds of Algerians took to the streets of the capital Thursday to protest against next month’s presidential election, despite a crackdown during which dozens were arrested. Around 300 protesters chanted “We will have freedom!” and “We will not retreat!” and banged on pots as motorists showed …

Dakhla, Western Sahara | AFP |  In the Oued Eddahab desert in Western Sahara, Habiboullah Dlimi raises dairy and racing camels just like his ancestors used to — but with a little help from modern technology. His animals roam free in the desert and are milked as camels always have been, …

Cotonou, Benin | AFP | Benin’s former leader Thomas Boni Yayi flew home Wednesday but hopes of an immediate meeting with President Patrice Talon were quickly dashed amid a rolling political crisis. Boni Yayi had quit the West African nation in June ostensibly for medical treatment, after being held under de-facto …

Harare, Zimbabwe | AFP | Zimbabwean riot police fired tear gas and beat opposition supporters on Wednesday after barring a planned address by the main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, AFP journalists said. Hundreds of supporters had gathered outside the Harare headquarters of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) after the party …

  Arusha, Tanzania | THE INDEPENDENT | The 21st Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Heads of State Summit initially scheduled for Saturday, 30th November, 2019 has been postponed to a later date in either January or February next year. EAC Secretary General Liberat Mfumukeko said Wednesday that the 21st Summit was postponed …

Goma, DR Congo | AFP |  Between 10 and 21 civilians were killed in two attacks by a notorious militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where government forces have vowed to root out armed groups, sources said Wednesday. Seven people were killed in the city of Beni and between …

Yenagoa, Nigeria | AFP |  Nigeria’s ruling party on Monday won the key oil-rich state of Bayelsa, the electoral body said, a sign of President Muhammadu Buhari’s growing influence in opposition strongholds. Residents cast their ballots in hotly-contested gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa and central Kogi state on Saturday in polls marred …

  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | AFP |  Jawar Mohammed, a former ally turned foe of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, told AFP on Saturday he would join the race for a 2020 election to ensure that it is “free and fair”. Jawar, a media mogul and activist who was at …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Five Ugandans who were being detained in Rwanda have been deported. They are Gilbert Beingana, Amos Tibesiga and Nicholas Tumwesigye, all residents of Kabale district. Others include are Ivan Nirinyiyimana and Beatha Nyiramuco, from Kisoro district. The five were arrested last week for illegal …

Ong Jmal, Tunisia | AFP | Bass rhythms boom out across the Tunisian Sahara toward a herd of camels, lasers splash colours across the dunes and VIPs sip vodka in what was once a “Star Wars” movie set. The Dunes Electronique music festival, launched in 2014, was revived last weekend on …